US Tile Innovations and Leadership

US Tile is committed to maintaining its position as the industry leader in product innovation and leadership. Our goal of continuous improvement is complimented by our desire to deliver products and innovations that benefit our customers and the environment.

US Tile does not take market leadership or innovation lightly. We embrace the process and endeavor to develop solutions that are truly innovative, market driven and comprehensive. From the first truly integrated solar solution for profile tile that addresses the negative impact of traditional solar aesthetics to the only tile manufacturer worldwide to prove our products sustainability with no negative impact on the environment through Cradle to Cradle certification, no company can match the innovations and leadership of US Tile.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Solé Fully Integrated Solar Solution

Solar power generation has advanced in many positive ways over the past decade but one of the overriding reasons many people shy away from traditional systems is aesthetics. US Tile in partnership with SRS Energy has addressed this aesthetic shortfall by developing the first, truly integrated solar solution for profile tile in the world. By combining the enhanced solar energy collecting properties and thin-film flexibility of Uni-Solar technology with the profile and installation techniques of traditional tile, several benefits have been realized.

        
                                                                     Residential                                                                     Commercial

Aesthetics: The Solé Power Tiles are the exact profile of US Tiles Mission profiles, eliminating unsightly traditional solar panels that detract from the curb appeal.

      

Installation: No special installation techniques are required for roof installation. Roofing contractors experienced with installing US Tile products can install the Solé Power Tiles using the same techniques and attachment methods already in place. This can save up to 90% of the installation time and expense on a typical installation.

                                    

Penetrations: One of the hidden issues with traditional solar panels are penetrations required in the roof deck to mount the panels. These penetrations, which can number in the dozens are done after the roof has been installed and are a very real issue with regards to the integrity of the roof as a water-shedding system. The roofing contractor and solar installer are also in conflict over who is responsible for potential roof leaks due to solar installation. Penitrations in the tile are not an issue with the Solé system as the energy generating Solé Power Tiles do not require any additional roof penetrations. Unlike traditional solar panel ssystems, the Solé Power Tile system are part of the water shedding roof system.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Cradle to Cradle Certification

US Tile prides itself on its environmental record since our inception. From embracing programs like the California Climate Action Registry that voluntarily reports our greenhouse emissions and the improvements we have realized, to improvements in our manufacturing techniques, to our use of recycled clay products in our process, US tile is a sustainable leader by choice.

Because of our commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices, we sought out validation methods that would enable our customers to quantify our sustainable benefits. Cradle to Cradle is considered the premier compliance certification for truly sustainabile products and practices. US Tile chose to go through the rigorous qualifying process that examined not only our products for true sustainability, but our company’s employee and manufacturing practices as well.

After a full review of our company’s practices, and mitigation of any potentially harmful ingredients in our products, US Tile has become the only tile manufacturer in the world to receive Cradle to Cradle certification.


______________________________________________________________________________________

Cool Roof Compliant Colors

While Cool Roof products have become an important component for LEED building projects, Cool Roof products also have also been embraced by traditional building community. Local, State and National programs are also in place to promote the use of products that help reduce the effects of heat island warming on the environment.

                     
                                                                          CRRC Cool Roof Rated US Tile Blend

US tile products are made from natural clays. These clays have inherent reflectivity as well as excellent thermal insulating properties that naturally enhance our products energy saving performance. This inherent reflectivity translates into the most vibrant, complete range of natural Cool Roof colors available on the market today.

Architects, builders and homeowners can now enjoy the benefits and energy cost savings of a Cool Roof without compromising the superior aesthetics of a clay tile roof.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Faux Mission Installation

Some innovations that help our customers are more subtle in nature. The development of the "Faux Mission" installation technique has truly revolutionized the way architects and builders address value engineered projects while maintaining the superior aesthetics of US Tile clay roofing products.

              

The most popular installation aesthetic for clay tile is the traditional 2-Piece system that incorporates a "cap" and "pan". This is the system and tile profile that has been handed down for millennia and can still be seen on ancient Greek structures today.

              

Modern manufacturing techniques has allowed tile manufactures to produce a profile called "S Tile" that incorporates the "cap and pan" into a single piece, greatly reducing the number of tiles needed and the time of installation. The highlight of this technique is seen at the leading edge or eaves of most projects where the aesthetics are most visible. By designing our tile profiles so our traditional 2-Piece profile can integrate into our value engineered S Tile profile, we are able to deliver the aesthetics of a traditional 2-Piece tile while capturing the cost saving benefits of an S Tile application.

______________________________________________________________________________________


SuperCore – Stronger Tile that is Better for the Environment

US Tile has invested more money in our manufacturing process over the past 20 years than all of the other clay roofing manufacturers in the nation combined. Much of this investment has been in equipment and processes that enhance our products and companies sustainability.

US Tile uses a modern firing process using a roller hearth kiln system that reduces firing times from as much as 7 days to approximately 90 minutes. This manufacturing technique, which only US Tile incorporates in the Untied States, delivers a variety of manufacturing and performance innovations that enhance our products.